THE Taal Volcano’s seismic network recorded 19 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Saturday.
One of these events, which occurred at 12:23 midnight, was felt at Intensity II in Barangay Calauit on the southeastern part of the Volcano Island.
Another event was felt at Intensity III at 4:31 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Pira-piraso at the northeastern part of Volcano Island accompanied by rumbling sounds.
Field observation and measurements conducted at the eastern sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the temperature at the Main Crater Lake increased from 30.5 degree Celsius to 31.5 degree Celsius.
Result of the ground deformation survey conducted around the Volcano Island in the first week of April showed that the volcano edifice is slightly inflated as compared with the February 2011 survey.
Alert Level 2 is hoisted over Taal Volcano with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by carbon dioxide being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity.
The Phivolcs advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate.
Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. The entire Volcano Island is also a Permanent Danger Zone, and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. (Sunnex)
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